Hamilton Academical Preview

A brief insight into Bolton's opponents in the second game of the pre-season tour to Scotland

Hamilton Academical v Bolton Wanderers,
Saturday 21 July,
New Douglas Park, 3pm Kick-Off

On Saturday, Bolton travel to South Lanarkshire for their second leg of the club's pre-season tour, playing Hamilton Academical who finished fourth in the Scottish First Division during 2011/12.

The Accies manager, Billy Reid, has been with the club since 2005 and led them to the Scottish Premier League for the first time in 20 years in 2008. They spent three seasons in the top flight before their relegation in 2011.

Hamilton are best-renowned for their successful youth academy with both James McCarthy and James McArthur, now playing for Wigan, coming through in recent years.

Of the current crop of players, Hamilton captain, midfielder Alex Neil, is a fans' favourite at New Douglas Park and has been a key player for them since joining the club in 2005. The 31-year-old, formerly of Barnsley, has made 156 appearances for the club.

In Hamilton's last outing, they ran out 3-1 winners over Stenhousemuir in another pre-season friendly.

Whites manager Owen Coyle will once again be keen to get the miles in his players' legs after giving 22 members of his squad their first run-outs against Ayr United on Wednesday evening.

Wanderers' assistant boss Sandy Stewart believes that The Accies could present more of a challenge than that of midweek opponents Ayr United.

He said: "Two years ago Hamilton were in the Scottish Premier League and competed very well in there. They will have a young vibrant team and I expect them to be a bit stronger than United."

For those Bolton fans heading over the border on Saturday, they are advised to note that they will be located in the Spice of Life North Stand.

Admission at turnstiles 10 to 12 will cost £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. 

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